The Spiritual Self Schema (3-S) Development Program

Behavioral Action Sequences.
Step 3. Establishing Guidance and Support Systems
Reflect. What support will be available to me so that I do not
abandon my Spiritual path whenever I feel physical or emotional
distress?
Spiritual Guide. Who is your principal Spiritual Guide (e.g., the
Buddha, Jesus, the Prophets, Brahma, other Deities, an inner Guide, a
respected Spiritual teacher ...)? Personify your Spiritual path in
whatever way is personally meaningful to you so that you can turn to
your Spiritual Guide when needed. During construction and use of
your Path, silently recite the affirmation 'I seek refuge in ...(name of
Spiritual guide)... ' or in times of uncertainty, you can ask yourself
"What would ... (name of Spiritual guide) ... do right now?).
Supportive text and/or Spiritual teachings. What texts or Spiritual
teachings will support you as you travel your Spiritual path (e.g., the
Bible, Koran, Torah, Tipitaka, ...other...)? Keep these texts readily
available so that you can refer to them frequently.
Social support. Who do you know that will support and encourage
you on your Spiritual path? Maintain a list of names of individuals of
like mind -- those whose Spiritual paths are similar to your own -- and
who are available to you for support and encouragement.
Rehearse (visualization). Return to your image of the actor on the
screen playing the role of YOU as you have the potential to be when
experiencing and expressing your Spiritual nature moving moment-bymoment
towards your Path's ultimate destination. This time imagine
that the actor is reaching out for support. See the actor receiving the
needed support from your Spiritual Guide, your Guide's texts and
teachings, and your social network of people who share your Spiritual
beliefs and practices. Visualize clearly the three levels of support that
are always available to you on your Spiritual path.
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